The Grand Adventure

A bike trip with no end Read more

Follow Insights Calendar Photos Share

The Grand Adventure Helene Rimberg
Kawah Ijen
July 1, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
A very early start (12:00 am) for our hike up Kawah Ijen. First get our health certificates and then travel the windy road to the start of the hike. Get our equipment (i.e. gas mask, headlamp & goggles ) and start when the trail opened at 2am. So many people. Unfortunately we have to wait for all 25 people in our group which slows us down drastically. Need to don gas mask before arriving at the crater rim. Descend into the crater with the masses. Steep hike down. Feels a bit like what I imagine Hillary steps were like. Even have private guides dragging their clients along. Make it to bottom and get a chance to view blue fire - caused when sulfuric gases come in contact with oxygen and burst into flames. Way too many people pushing for my comfort. Very cool though. Trek back up quickly but still miss sunrise. All around frustrating outing. Back to our hotel by 10 and sleep for awhile. Lay around before venturing out for seafood.Read more
2 likes
The Grand Adventure Helene Rimberg
3
A Wonder-ful Privilege: 2 years in
July 2, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C
Two years ago, Doug and I left our Portland lives and flew to Amsterdam; beginning what has become a cycle tour around the world. I don’t think that our intent was to circumnavigate the world; rather, we were going to start cycling and see where the wind blew us. In the ensuing 2 years, we have been on 6 continents (Antarctic will have to be another trip) and cycled in 18 countries. We have hit a bucket list of destinations - ranging from the isolated peaks of Patagonia to the islands of the South Pacific. We have been joined by our kids in Peru and our friends Christine & John in Ireland and New Zealand. We even “bumped into” our college friend Pam in NZ.
We have frequently experienced the generosity of strangers and tried to be good citizens of the world - returning that kindness whenever possible. I am well aware of how fortunate we are to be able to take this type of trip. We have the tangible (e.g. money) and intangible resources to be able to go the distance. Not only does one need physical health and grit but one also needs mental fortitude and agility. You never know what will come your way. We also have each other - which though usually is a blessing can be a curse. Being with one person 24/7 has its challenges!
So what’s next? We have just started in SE Asia and plan to continue exploring the SE Asian Peninsula. Our intent is still to finish in Italy - thus we will eventually head west and cross Central Asia (likely not by bike).
I was reading an article last night suggesting how travel isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. That growth and cultural awareness is all bullshit. I disagree. Though I am basically the same person - I have been touched and changed by our journey. The world is an amazing and awe-inspiring place and travel is, in my opinion, about getting outside your comfort zone and challenging yourself and your assumptions. It has been a wonder-ful privilege to be on this adventure.
And how did we celebrate 2 years? Climbing into a volcano caldera on Java of course!
A picture from each country in order.Read more
Traveler I’m not sure this really captures the essence of the Peruvian jungle
7/2/25Reply
Helene Rimberg True but it’s the only picture of all of us
7/2/25Reply
Helene Rimberg I suppose our bunk bed hammocks might have captured it better
7/2/25Reply
TravelerGreat to hear your thoughts at this milestone moment. Loved being with you in Ireland and NZ and vicariously the rest of the time. Love you guys. Stay well! Pedal on.
7/2/25Reply
1 like
The Grand Adventure Helene Rimberg
Back to Bali
July 2, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
Quick ride back to the ferry and have a calmer journey back to Bali. Winds are unfortunately in our faces as we ride the busy road south towards Denpasar. And they only get busier with drivers seeming less tolerant of our presence. Finish at the surfing town of Medewi. Check in to surf hotel and out for a tasty steak dinner.Read more
1 like
The Grand Adventure Helene Rimberg
1
Beach day
July 3, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C
Cloudy morning. Have a bit of extra time this stay put. Walk along rocky beach. Spot crab “art” and many surfers catching the “longest left break in Bali”. Sit for awhile, until rain comes. A low key dayRead more
Hannah Boe Neat!!
7/4/25Reply
1 like
The Grand Adventure Helene Rimberg
On to Canggu
July 4, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C
Another cloudy/drizzly morning. Seems wetter on this side of the island. Ride looks easy on paper but proves to be challenging. After 18 loud and chaotic miles on the main road, turn off on side “roads” which quickly becomes sort of paved paths through rice fields. Lots of river crossings which entails steep ups and downs. It is beautiful and so much quieter. Return to busy roads for the the final miles. Stop for lunch and check in to eco resort. Drop off laundry and meander. Eat at the vegan restaurant we had eaten at before while in Denpasar. So good.Read more
1 like
The Grand Adventure Helene Rimberg
Back to where we started
July 5, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C
Very short ride to drop off our bikes with the rest of our stuff (home of WarmShowers host). Walk to hotel and then try to do some shopping. Sit on busy beach under cloudy skies. Greek restaurant for dinner.Read more
1 like
The Grand Adventure Helene Rimberg
1
Labuan Bajo
July 6, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
Catch an early am taxi to the airport. Very easy check-in procese without bikes. Short flight over islands we had been on earlier. Arrive in Labuan Bajo and walk to hostel. Mosey around town and then do a beach walk, getting caught in a thunder storm. It’s a warm rain. Out for tasty pizza and gelato.Read more
Traveler Wow! Mmmm!
7/9/25Reply
1 like
The Grand Adventure Helene Rimberg
On the Gibran Pratama
July 7, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C
Cappuccino and pastries at Komodough (punny). Picked up and taken to chaotic and crowded terminal for boats to Komodo. Get ourselves sorted and board our boat - the Gibran Pratama. Slowly putter to first stop and walk up hill for great views. Do a bit of snorkeling with baby sharks amongst other fishies. Next stop - an incredible coral reef ringing a tiny island. Back on board for sunset, a bat show and seafood dinner.Read more
1 like
The Grand Adventure Helene Rimberg
1
Pandar Island and Komodo Island
July 8, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C
Engine troubles and tides necessitate moving at night. Unfortunately the struggling motor does not lull one to sleep. Arrive at Pandar island in time for our 4 am wake up. Pile into little boat and join the crowds climbing up 800+ steps for the sunrise views. Fortunately don’t have to wait for the group. Find a nice spot and settle in. Struggle with the “selfie lineups” as they block the views and create traffic jams. Back on boat for breakfast, then first snorkel spot on pink beach. Head to Komodo Island for short guided hike to see the dragons. Quite the predators! Head to Manta point but no Mantas. Snorkel in a strong current along a stop off; spotting 8 turtles. One co more beach stop for sunset and our day is done.Read more
Traveler I beg to differ!
7/11/25Reply
1 like
The Grand Adventure Helene Rimberg
Back to Bali - again
July 9, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
Quieter night as we stay anchored in place. Very windy and choppy morning. Two snorkel stops. Strong current and waves make for less visibility but still nice range of fish and coral. Short journey back to Labuan Bajo and the airport. Do some scurrying to secure a place to stay as booked hotel falls through. Quick flight and long drive in traffic - but make it Antana apartments. Out to a brew pub for dinner.Read more
1 like
The Grand Adventure Helene Rimberg
A day to pack
July 10, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
Another round of stomach ick left me feeling rather unwell. Managed to retrieve all our belongings and begin packing process. I sleep while
Doug packs the bikes. Not much else to the day
1 like
The Grand Adventure Helene Rimberg
Step 1 to the airport
July 11, 2025 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C
Finish most of the packing a manage to stuff ourselves into one car to get to next hotel by the airport. Spend the afternoon trying to do the impossible - get our baggage to be under 80 kilos. Give up and figure we will pay for the extra. Use the gym to sweat off the remainder of the ick. Dinner in the hotel.Read more
1 like
The Grand Adventure Helene Rimberg
2
Hello Singapore
July 12, 2025 in Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C
Very early wake-up but quite easy transport to airport and then to check. Business class got us shorter lines and all our baggage included. And such nice seats! Too bad flight isn’t longer. Arrive in Singapore with all bags intact and proceed to assemble. Find the cycle path and make our way to city first stopping at our storage locker where we left what we don’t need for awhile. Find our hotel with tiny cubby hold room. Showers, metro ride and we are downtown in time for a fireworks display (celebrating 60 years of country-hood. Huge and very busy hawker market for dinner and then metro back. Long day!Read more
Hannah Boe Is this in the airport??
7/15/25Reply
Helene Rimberg Yup
7/16/25Reply
1 like
The Grand Adventure Helene Rimberg
Singapore on foot
July 13, 2025 in Singapore
Doug continues to battle stomach issues so I head off on my own. Wander through neighborhoods, historical sites and even into glitzy malls. Singapore is rather quiet for a large city and very clean. It is also very green as many buildings incorporate greenery. Find my way to Gardens by the Bay. Take a rest on a bench before exploring these gardens. Head back along the bayfront - wandering through the very modern architecture. Quick metro back and after a wee rest we head out for Indian food. 16 miles in total!Read more
1 like
The Grand Adventure Helene Rimberg
2 1
A colorful birthday celebration
July 14, 2025 in Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C
Fortunately, Doug is feeling better in time for his birthday. Start the day with pastries before hopping on the metro to the Botanic Gardens. Emerge into light rain, but it’s a warm rain. Walk through the greenery before exploring the orchid gardens - the largest collection of orchids in the world. Amazing array of flowers representing native and worldwide varieties. Finish our stroll and go out separate ways to complete shopping errands. Meet up at a mega mall. Drop off our purchases at our hotel and back downtown to catch the evening lights in Gardens by the Bay. Phenomenal light show! Try out Korean BBQ. New experience for both of us. (I need to work on my non-existent chopstick skills).Read more
Hannah Boe Wow!!
7/16/25Reply
Hannah Boe Oooohhhh
7/16/25Reply
Helene Rimberg The orchids were crazy. So many types
7/16/25Reply
1 like
The Grand Adventure Helene Rimberg
Malaysia is just a bridge away
July 15, 2025 in Malaysia ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C
The ride out of Singapore varied from busy roads to beautiful paths. Lots of twists and turns took some time
to navigate as did finding our entrance to the causeway into Malaysia. We were separated with the motorbikes which helped. Popped out on the other side and poof - another country. Big city with hectic traffic. Survived the motorways and found a hotel. Relax before venturing out for dinner. Too chaotic for pictures (few more orchids)Read more
1 like
The Grand Adventure Helene Rimberg
Jungle hopping
July 16, 2025 in Malaysia ⋅ ☁️ 32 °C
Venture out onto busy roadways, still trying to get out of the city of Johor Bahru. Eventually the traffic ruins and we have a calmer ride. As the jungle builds next to us, see some interesting wildlife signs. Do spot actual monkeys, large monitor lizards and dead snakes. Consider stopping after 24 miles but the accommodations were expensive and not very nice. Press on into the heat. Options are very limited which results in a 71 mile day. Arrive at a hotel in Mersing as sun is setting. Tired and filthy but manage to clean up and find some food.Read more
1 like
The Grand Adventure Helene Rimberg
1
Futzing around in Mersing
July 17, 2025 in Malaysia ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C
After yesterday’s adventure, opt to only change hotels vs. cycling onward. Enjoy a cappuccino while we do some laundry. Check out the beach - kind of murky and dirty. Decide not to venture out to the islands so check into hotel. Wander back out later for some food. Very tasty fried stingray!Read more
Hannah Boe Cutie
7/19/25Reply
Hannah BoeYou are stingray??
7/19/25Reply
Helene RimbergYes. Was tasty. Tried not to think about it too much
7/20/25Reply
1 like
The Grand Adventure Helene Rimberg
2
Kuala Rompin
July 18, 2025 in Malaysia ⋅ ☀️ 35 °C
Very sunny day. Fortunately the first half of our ride is through forest land with lots of trees and shade. Spot quite a few monkeys - who look a tad bit more aggressive than the ones we saw in Indonesia. Maintain our distance. After a lunch break - re-enter the main road and although it’s relatively quiet it’s more exposed and thus hotter. Arrive at the semi-deserted beach resort and hit the pool and then the beach. China Sea is very warm! Cycle into town for dinner though it being a Friday, many things are closed. Overwhelmed again by the menu (how many types of fried rice can there be) but manage to try something new Tom Yam soup which was quite tasty.Read more
Hannah BoeI had tom yum soup last night!
7/19/25Reply
Hannah Boe Grumpy kitty
7/19/25Reply
Helene Rimberg But cute tail
7/20/25Reply
1 like
The Grand Adventure Helene Rimberg
Pekan
July 19, 2025 in Malaysia ⋅ ☁️ 34 °C
Watch sun rise - though obscured by clouds. Long day planned as limited options for accommodations. Seems to be a trend for us here in Malaysia. Fortunately it is flat and we have a good tail wind. Stop for lunch along the China Sea. Arrive in Pekan but can’t find our lodging. Go in circles until the host finally sends us a correct map. New food for dinner - Muetabak. Rolled pancake with tasty fillings.Read more
1 like
The Grand Adventure Helene Rimberg
Maran
July 20, 2025 in Malaysia ⋅ ☁️ 34 °C
Get an earlier start as not sure how far we will go. Find a good quiet road along a river - though only catch fleeting glimpses of it. Wind is less favorable but still make good time. Lots of rustling in the trees means monkeys are around. They tend to disappear as we get closer. Opt to keep going. Wind up with a 60+ mile day. Heat gets rough towards the end. Somehow manage to find a homestay - on the grounds of a mosque.Read more
1 like
The Grand Adventure Helene Rimberg
Temerloh
July 21, 2025 in Malaysia ⋅ ☁️ 34 °C
Short day - for real this time. Busy road for much of the time. A flat tire delays us a bit but still get to our hotel relatively early. Cool off in the pool. Walk into town for delicious roti and curries.Read more
1 like
The Grand Adventure Helene Rimberg
1
Elephants!
July 22, 2025 in Malaysia ⋅ ☁️ 32 °C
Leave the lowlands and head up into the jungle to Kuala Gandah - Ho,e of the Elephant Conservation Center. With our tour guide, get to feed the baby elephants. Watch the big elephants get their bath. After, assist in bathing and exfoliating the baby elephants. Quite rough skin. Interesting note: they utilize the elephants at the center to assist when other wild elephants need to be rescued. Stay at Chalet right next to center. Lovely “local dinner”.Read more
Traveler That is as big a smile as I have seen on you Bean. Doug, same beam. ❤️
7/27/25Reply
TravelerSo cool!!!
8/6/25Reply
2 likes
The Grand Adventure Helene Rimberg
Bukit Tinggi
July 23, 2025 in Malaysia ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C
Enjoy a good breakfast before heading back out of the jungle and continuing our westward journey. Rolling hills aren’t too bad thought the trucks carrying palm oil fruits are unfortunately plentiful. Luckily the final miles, which are uphill are mostly in the shade. Arrive in Bukit Tinggi - basically an exit off the highway and make our way up to our apartment. Walk back down to the town for Chinese dinner.Read more
1 like
The Grand Adventure Helene Rimberg
Day of rest
July 24, 2025 in Malaysia ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C
After 6 riding days, we needed a break. Did very little except read, yoga, walked to town to get food.
2 likes